PUBLIC
HEARINGS
APRIL
2025
A U D I E N C I A S
PÚBLICAS
ABRIL
DE 2025
bigbluebus.com 310.451.5444
Este lugar tiene acceso para personas con discapacidades (ADA). Solicitudes para acomodaciones para personas con discapacidades y traducción deben hacerse por lo menos tres (3) días antes de la audiencia llamando al: 310.458.1975 ext. 2386 BIG BLUE BUS ESTÁ
ORGANIZANDO AUDIENCIAS
PÚBLICAS SOBRE LOS
CAMBIOS DE TARIFAS
PROPUESTOS. ¡POR FAVOR
ÚNETE A NOSOTROS!
The Santa Monica Main Library is ADA-accessible. Disability and translation accommodation requests should be made at least three (3) days prior to the hearing by calling: 310.458.1975 ext. 2386
BIG BLUE BUS IS HOSTING
PUBLIC HEARINGS ON
PROPOSED FARE
ADJUSTMENTS.
PLEASE JOIN US!
Ride BBB Routes 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, or 18.
Parking is available in the library garage (enter on 7th St., north of Santa Monica Blvd.).
Wednesday, April 2, 2025
5:30pm–7:30pm
Register: bigbluebus.com/meetings
Thursday, April 3, 2025
5:30pm–7:30pm
Santa Monica Main Library
Martin Luther King Jr. Auditorium
601 Santa Monica Blvd.
IN-PERSON
HEARING
VIRTUAL
HEARING
Viaje en las rutas 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, o 18 de BBB.
Habrá estacionamiento disponible en el garaje de la biblioteca (entrar en 7th St., al norte de Santa Monica Blvd.).
AUDIENCIA
EN
PERSONA
AUDIENCIA
VIRTUAL
miércoles 2 de abril de 2025
5:30pm–7:30pm
Regístrate: bigbluebus.com/meetings
jueves 3 de abril de 2025
5:30pm–7:30pm
Santa Monica Main Library
Martin Luther King Jr. Auditorium
601 Santa Monica Blvd.
bigbluebus.com | 310.451.5444
PUBLIC
HEARINGS
APRIL
2025
Ride BBB Routes 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 18, Rapid 3, Rapid 7, or Rapid 10. Parking is available in the library garage (enter on 7th St. north of Santa Monica Blvd.).
Wednesday, April 2, 2025
5:30pm–7:30pm
Register: bigbluebus.com/meetings
Thursday, April 3, 2025
5:30pm–7:30pm
Santa Monica Main Library
Martin Luther King Jr. Auditorium
601 Santa Monica Blvd.
The Santa Monica Main Library is ADA-accessible. Disability and translation accommodation requests should be made at least three (3) days prior to the hearing by calling: 310.458.1975 ext. 2386
BIG BLUE BUS IS HOSTING
PUBLIC HEARINGS ON
PROPOSED FARE ADJUSTMENTS.
PLEASE JOIN US!
IN-PERSON
HEARING
VIRTUAL
HEARING
bigbluebus.com | 310.451.5444
AUDENCIAS
P Ú BLICA
ABRIL DE
2025
Viaje en las rutas 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 18, Rapid 3, Rapid 7, y Rapid 10 de BBB. Habrá estacionamiento disponible en
el garaje de la biblioteca (entrar en 7th St., al norte de Santa Monica Blvd.).
AUDIENCIA
EN
PERSONA
AUDIENCIA
VIRTUAL
miércoles 2 de abril de 2025
5:30pm–7:30pm
Regístrate: bigbluebus.com/meetings
jueves 3 de abril de 2025
5:30pm–7:30pm
Santa Monica Main Library
Martin Luther King Jr. Auditorium
601 Santa Monica Blvd.
Este lugar tiene acceso para personas con discapacidades (ADA).
Solicitudes para acomodaciones para personas con discapacidades y traducción deben hacerse por lo menos tres (3) días antes de la audiencia llamando al: 310.458.1975 ext. 2386
BIG BLUE BUS ESTÁ ORGANIZANDO
AUDIENCIAS PÚBLICA ACERCA DE LOS
CAMBIOS DE TARIFAS PROPUESTOS.
¡POR FAVOR ÚNETE A NOSOTROS!
Public hearing notice on buses and flyers
LOCAL WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19, 2025 7
mandatory evacuation zones. It would
also direct local governments to provide
online resources about pet evacuation and
reunification assistance, including a list of
rescued animals.
Another key provision extends the holding
period for rescued pets to at least 90 days
before they can be adopted out, euthanized, or
transferred — a significant increase from the
current 72-hour minimum.
The bill is supported by Social Compassion
in Legislation, an animal welfare advocacy
organization.
“Time and time again, we’ve seen animals
abandoned or lost in the chaos of wildfires and
other disasters,” said Judie Mancuso, founder
and president of the organization. “This bill
is about making sure no pet is left behind.
It provides the necessary tools to coordinate
rescues, support evacuees, and reunite families
with their beloved animals.”
Animal rescuers who worked during
recent California wildfires have highlighted
significant gaps in the current system.
Aaron “AC” Christensen, founder of Animal
Advocacy Network, noted that his team was
able to assist with evacuations during the
Palisades Fire because of his credentials with
the City of Santa Monica, which allowed
them to cross fire lines and participate in first
responder briefings.
“The FOUND Act will help ensure other
cities have emergency plans that allow
rescuers like me to assist residents save their
pets,” Christensen said.
Jane Garrison, an experienced disaster
rescuer and founder of Oswit Land Trust,
expressed frustration with the current lack of
coordination.
“It was frustrating that qualified and
certified animal disaster rescuers were
willing to rescue animals following the fires
in L.A., but were turned away due to a lack
of coordinated plan,” Garrison said. “The
pain and suffering that animals experienced
due to this unpreparedness was cruel and
unnecessary.”
As California continues to face increasing
wildfire threats, proponents argue the
legislation represents a critical step toward
ensuring disaster response plans adequately
address the safety and well-being of animals.
The bill will be referred to a policy
committee in the coming days, according to
Zbur’s office.
[email protected]
FOUND
FROM PAGE 1
Time and time
again, we’ve seen
animals abandoned
or lost in the chaos
of wildfires and
other disasters
- Judie Mancuso, founder and
president of the organization
COMMUNITY NEWS
Citywide
League of Women Voters of Santa Monica to Honor Four
Outstanding Women at “Women Who Shape Santa Monica” Awards The League of Women Voters of Santa Monica
(LWVSM) is thrilled to announce the recipients
of the 18th annual “Women Who Shape Santa
Monica” awards. This year, Joanne Berlin, Shari
Davis, Carla Fantozzi, and Ana Gioconda Jara will
be honored for their exceptional contributions to
the Santa Monica community as dedicated advocates for education and social justice.
This year’s theme, “Moving Forward Together!
Women Educating and Inspiring Generations,” perfectly encapsulates the spirit and impact of these remarkable women.
“We are incredibly proud to recognize Joanne,
Shari, Carla, and Ana for their tireless work in
advocating for education and social justice,” said
Barbara Inatsugu, President of LWVSM. “Santa
Monica is a better place to live because of their enriching contributions.” The “Women Who Shape Santa Monica” award celebration, held annually in March to coincide with Women’s History Month, will take place in person on Wednesday, March 19, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Brookdale Ocean House in Santa Monica.
For more information, event details and to RSVP, please visit https://my.lwv.org/california/santa-monica.
EDITED BY SMDP STAFF
said. “I just told myself to stay in that pack
until about the halfway mark and then if I felt
good I could make a move. Ended up going
a little bit to the lead and no one really came
with me.”
Richtman, of Elburn, Illinois, was a
member of the Montana State cross-country
team, earning All-America honors as a junior
in 2022-23.
American Paul Pilkington won the 1994
edition in 2:12.13.
In the women’s race, Tejinesh Tulu of
Ethiopia took the title in 2:30.16.
Antonina Kwambai of Kenya was second
in 2:30.19. Savannah Berry of Orem, Utah,
was third in 2:30.31. Berry finished 12th at
last year’s U.S. Olympic trials.
MARATHON
FROM PAGE 1
We are incredibly proud
to recognize Joanne,
Shari, Carla, and Ana
for their tireless work in
advocating for education
and social justice
- Barbara Inatsugu, President of LWVSM
Notice is hereby given that public hearings will be held by Big Blue Bus on the following dates:
Wednesday, April 2, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. (Virtual) Those attending must register at: bigbluebus.com/meetings Thursday, April 3, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Santa Monica Main Library
Martin Luther King Jr. Auditorium
601 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, 90401
A short presentation will be conducted at the beginning of each hearing, from 5:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., and a public comment period will be held for the remainder of each hearing, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Under the proposed fare structure, Big Blue Bus would implement the following changes:
• Increasing the cost of Single Ride, 1-Day, 7-Day, 10 Rides, and 30-Day Passes • Elimination of the Annual Pass and Youth 30-Day Pass.
See details of this proposal at bigbluebus.com/meetings.
Big Blue Bus will review all public comments submitted during the comment period until Thursday, April 10, 2025. Based on feedback received, Big Blue Bus may adjust the draft proposals as necessary, before submitting a Staff Report for City Council consideration. If approved by City Council, fare changes would be implemented in two phases, with the first phase occurring on August 10, 2025, and the second phase occurring in 2027.
Interested parties may comment in person at the hearing, or may submit written comments prior to the hearing. Written comments may be submitted by mail to Big Blue Bus, 1660 7th St., Santa Monica, CA 90401, Attn: Robert McCall, Community Engagement Manager. Feedback may also be shared through an online survey at bigbluebus.com/meetings.
The Santa Monica Main Library is wheelchair accessible. For disability and interpretation accommodation requests, please contact 310-458-1975 ext. 2386 at least three (3) days prior to the hearing. All written materials are available in alternate formats upon request. Big Blue Bus Routes 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, and 18 serve the Main Library. Visit bigbluebus.com for trip planning and schedule information.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
FOR BIG BLUE BUS PROPOSED FARE CHANGES
6 smdp.com WEEKEND EDITION, MARCH 28 - MARCH 30, 2025 NEWS
Notice is hereby given that public hearings will be held by Big Blue Bus on the following dates:
Wednesday, April 2, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. (Virtual) Those attending must register at: bigbluebus.com/meetings Thursday, April 3, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Santa Monica Main Library
Martin Luther King Jr. Auditorium
601 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, 90401
A short presentation will be conducted at the beginning of each hearing, from 5:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., and a public comment period will be held for the remainder of each hearing, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Under the proposed fare structure, Big Blue Bus would implement the following changes:
• Increasing the cost of Single Ride, 1-Day, 7-Day, 10 Rides, and 30-Day Passes • Elimination of the Annual Pass and Youth 30-Day Pass.
See details of this proposal at bigbluebus.com/meetings.
Big Blue Bus will review all public comments submitted during the comment period until Thursday, April 10, 2025. Based on feedback received, Big Blue Bus may adjust the draft proposals as necessary, before submitting a Staff Report for City Council consideration. If approved by City Council, fare changes would be implemented in two phases, with the first phase occurring on August 10, 2025, and the second phase occurring in 2027.
Interested parties may comment in person at the hearing, or may submit written comments prior to the hearing. Written comments may be submitted by mail to Big Blue Bus, 1660 7th St., Santa Monica, CA 90401, Attn: Robert McCall, Community Engagement Manager. Feedback may also be shared through an online survey at bigbluebus.com/meetings.
The Santa Monica Main Library is wheelchair accessible. For disability and interpretation accommodation requests, please contact 310-458-1975 ext. 2386 at least three (3) days prior to the hearing. All written materials are available in alternate formats upon request. Big Blue Bus Routes 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, and 18 serve the Main Library. Visit bigbluebus.com for trip planning and schedule information.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
FOR BIG BLUE BUS PROPOSED FARE CHANGES
COMMUNITY NEWS
Los Angeles
Los Angeles sheriff’s department to retest 4,000 DNA samples after using faulty kits for 8 months
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said this week it will retest 4,000 DNA samples and open an internal investigation after learning that it used potentially flawed test kits for eight months.
Sheriff’s officials said Wednesday that a test kit manufacturer sent a letter in August warning the department to stop using certain kits that were prone to giving incomplete results. However, the letter was received by a civilian employee who didn’t discard the kits or send them back, according to a department statement.
The department used the flawed kits from July through February, testing thousands of samples from criminal investigations.
The problem was discovered Monday when a supervisor at the department’s Scientific Services Bureau found the manufacturer’s letter.
The department said it has opened an internal investigation to assess how much the faulty kits have affected criminal cases, and will retest some 4,000 DNA samples. “We take the integrity of our criminal investigations and the reliability of our forensic testing very seriously,” Sheriff Robert Luna said in a statement. “The Sheriff’s Department is working diligently to assess the impact and to prevent such situations from occurring again.”
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said his office had begun working with the sheriff’s department to determine the extent of the problem.
Sheriff’s officials said the bad tests might have led to incomplete results, but they are “not likely to have falsely identified any individual.”
The department declined to name the manufacturer.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Citywide
Santa Monica Man Arrested in Federal Fentanyl and Gun Sales Case Federal authorities arrested a Santa Monica man and his father from the Mar Vista area of Los Angeles on Wednesday on charges related to illegal fentanyl distribution and weapons sales.
Francisco Javier Espinoza Galindo, 31, of Santa Monica, and his father, Antonio Espinoza Zarate, 55, also known as “El Gato,” were taken into custody following an investigation that uncovered multiple alleged sales of firearms and the dangerous synthetic opioid fentanyl.
Both men face charges of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. The elder Espinoza also faces charges of illegal reentry of a removed alien, according to court documents.
Federal investigators allege that in July 2023, Antonio Espinoza sold a pistol, rifle, ammunition and more than 500 grams of fentanyl pills to a buyer despite not being licensed to deal firearms. In subsequent transactions through February 2025, the father-son duo allegedly sold additional weapons and kilograms of fentanyl pills.
Court records indicate Antonio Espinoza is a Mexican citizen who has been deported four times between 2010 and 2017, and illegally reentered the United States each time. His criminal history includes felony convictions for narcotics possession for sale and illegal reentry.
The defendants made their initial court appearances Wednesday in U.S. District Court in downtown Los Angeles. If convicted, they face a maximum sentence of life in federal prison with a mandatory minimum of 10 years.
The arrests resulted from an investigation by the Homeland Security Investigations-led El Camino Real Financial Crimes Task Force, with support from multiple federal agencies and the Los Angeles Police Department.
EDITED BY SMDP STAFF
Los Angeles
Metro Board Approves Plan to Increase Women in Construction The Metro Board of Directors approved a motion Thursday to expand women’s participation in Metro-funded construction projects.
The initiative, authored by Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath and co-authored by several Los Angeles County officials, aims to address barriers women face in the construction industry, including lack of childcare and unsupportive work environments.
The plan includes expanding workforce equity standards in procurement, creating a regional roundtable, launching a “Built By Her” campaign, and establishing a Women in the Trades Summit.
Despite exceeding regional averages for female participation in construction trades, Metro still falls short of its goals, according to a recent workforce disparity study.
A report proposing new procurement and accountability measures tied to contractor hiring performance is due by June 2025.
EDITED BY SMDP STAFF
Los Angeles
Governor Newsom Signs Order to Speed Los Angeles Rebuilding After Fires
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order Wednesday to accelerate rebuilding efforts in Altadena, Malibu, and Pacific Palisades following January’s devastating fires.
The order suspends certain permitting requirements under the California Environmental Quality Act and Coastal Act to expedite repairs and replacement of electric, gas, water, sewer, and telecommunication infrastructure.
The directive also speeds the process of moving utility equipment underground to prevent future fires, expanding upon previous orders removing regulatory hurdles for rebuilding. “We are determined to rebuild Altadena, Malibu, and Pacific Palisades stronger and more resilient than before,” Newsom said.
The governor previously urged Southern California Edison and Los Angeles Department of Water and Power to develop rebuilding plans including underground infrastructure by March’s end.
EDITED BY SMDP STAFF
1 Alfredo Torales
From: Big Blue Bus <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, March 19, 2025 10:00 AM
To: Alfredo Torales
Subject: NOTICE: Public Hearing for Proposed Fare Changes April 2 & 3 View this email in your browser
Join Us to Discuss Proposed Fare Changes
Big Blue Bus is proposing the following fare changes:
Increase cost of Single Ride, 1-Day, 7-Day, 10 Rides, and 30-Day Passes
Eliminate the Annual and Youth 30-Day Passes
Read the details of the proposed changes at: bigbluebus.com/meetings Read The Proposed Changes
Lea en español sobre los cambios que se proponen.
As part of our community engagement process, we will host the following public hearings regarding the proposed fare changes:
Virtual Hearing
Wednesday, April 2, 2025
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
In-Person Hearing
Thursday, April 3, 2025
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Santa Monica Main Library
2 Register Martin Luther King Jr. Auditorium
601 Santa Monica Blvd.
Can't attend the public hearings?
We still want to hear from you! Take our online survey before Thursday, April 10, 2025. Your feedback is valuable, and we look forward to reviewing your comments.
Take Our Survey
1444 4th St., Santa Monica CA 90401
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View this email in your browser
Big Blue Bus is Proposing Fare Changes
At Big Blue Bus, we strive to keep fares low so you can travel with ease. We are proposing our first fare increase in nearly a decade, due to the rising cost of fuel, utilities, and supplies we've faced in recent years.
Fare adjustments will also enable us to invest in customer experience improvements, such as our Transit Safety Officer program and Brighter Blue service plan, aimed at expanding access to safe, affordable, reliable, and convenient transit services for our community.
Pending approval by the Santa Monica City Council, the first phase of fare changes would take place on August 10, 2025, while the second phase would go into effect in the summer of 2027.
Big Blue Bus is proposing the following fare changes:
Increase cost of Single Ride, 1-Day, 7-Day, 10 Rides, and 30-Day Passes Eliminate the Annual and Youth 30-Day Passes
Big Blue Bus will maintain:
One free Big Blue Bus to Big Blue Bus transfer within two (2) hours Discounted fares for contactless payments
Participation in regional fare discount programs such
as LIFE and GoPass
Visit bigbluebus.com to view detailed proposed changes.
We Want to Hear From YOU!
Learn More
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Take our online survey before Thursday, April 10, 2025, to share your thoughts. Your feedback is valuable, and we look forward to reviewing your comments.
1444 4th St., Santa Monica CA 90401
Call us: (310) 451-5444 | Contact us via Santa Monica 311 | Visit us: bigbluebus.com Want to change how you receive these emails?
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